In Contention

Tag: Nightline

  • ‘Conviction’ on ABC’s Nightline

    Tony Goldwyn’s “Conviction” will open in limited release next Friday, October 15.  I’m a fan.  It “never feels manipulative even though it’s painting in extremely familiar dramatic strokes,” I wrote last week.

    The film was featured on ABC’s Nightline Monday night. Once you get past the unfortunate spelling out of the title’s double meaning, there are interviews with Hilary Swank and the real-life Betty Anne Waters, among others, and a brief mention of the unfortunate ending that was left out of the film.

    “In real life, the Hollywood ending was undercut by a tragic accident,” David Wright narrates. As Waters says, yes, it’s tragic, but Kenny Waters died free. I still think that could have served the film quite well thematically.  Meanwhile, Swank says, “This movie is the reason why I’m an actor.  These types of stories are what inspire me and move me and give me hope.”

    Check out the full video of the segment after the jump.

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  • O’Brien’s first shot at ‘The Tonight Show’ — How’d he do?

    conan3.jpgIn his first shot at hosting “The Tonight Show,” I think it’s safe to say Conan O’Brien has tamed things down from his “Late Night” antics of old.

    Tapping comedian Will Ferrell and musical guest Pearl Jam as introductory guests might be seen as indication of a “hipper” or younger direction, but came off as rather safe in hindsight.  The crowd got a “string dance” routine but only briefly and as merely a wink and a nudge.  And the overall atmosphere of the show was somewhat stiff, O’Brien appearing nervous to maintain a straight man’s routine throughout while seemingly longing for his 12:30 element.

    Of course, I’m not criticizing.  It will take O’Brien some time to warm to the gig and, perhaps, his new audience to him.  But what worked really worked.

    The cold open was probably the obvious play, but the commitment to a cross-country, Forrest-Gump-like sprint from Manhattan to Universal City was full, spirited and lots of fun.  The studio tram tour bit felt a little too old Conan for the time slot and might have been better saved for later down the line, but it’d be a hoot if “Cir-cle!  Cir-cle!” became an unintended tradition with studio audiences.  And that stage is something to behold.  Absolutely gorgeous.

    You can check out the cold open below or at the new “Tonight Show” website (with other goodies, of course).

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